Thirteen-year-old historian Éabha Klinksick stunned the nation by winning top honors at the National History Day competition with her spoken-word piece “Breaking Ground: Womontown,” a powerful tribute to a hidden lesbian community in 1980s Kansas City. Inspired by poets like Amanda Gorman, she blended creativity with deep archival research and firsthand interviews to bring to life a story of resilience, safety, and sisterhood—symbolized by tulips and celebrated with a national stage at the Smithsonian. Her victory, the Celie and Tabitha Niehaus Equality in History Award, not only honored the Womontown founders but also cemented her own path as a future historian, fueled by community, mentorship, and the belief that history must be told—especially the stories that were never meant to be heard.

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A father stands trial for rape and indecent liberties against two young girls, denying all charges and claiming he never entered their bedrooms. He insists his interactions—like tickle fights and playful “ear nibbling”—were innocent and appropriate, even telling police he saw one girl as his own daughter due to her troubled home. The defense highlights the open layout of their trailer home and the wife’s testimony that she was always present during sleepovers, casting doubt on the alleged crimes. Prosecutors allege a targeted pattern, describing the girls as “skinny and blonde,” while the trial nears its climax with closing arguments looming and the jury’s verdict hanging in the balance.

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John Mellencamp tore into a politically charged “Lawless Times” at Morton, then had the crowd roaring with “Jack & Diane” solo on guitar — all part of his rare “Dancing Words — The Greatest Hits Tour,” where he’s resurrecting deep cuts and long-unheard gems. Backed by horns, fiddles, and harmonies, his weathered voice matched the gritty energy, blending early classics with 90s hits before closing with the anthemic “Hurts So Good.” Expect a wall of sound — earplugs recommended.

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